History-sheeter ‘Cheeni’ killed in Bhakna Kalan firing; 10 held

The police have arrested 10 persons in connection with the firing between two rival groups at the grain market in Bhakna Kalan village in the Attari area, which left a notorious criminal dead and another person injured.

The deceased, identified as Gursharan Singh, alias “Cheeni”, was a history-sheeter facing more than 12 criminal cases. He sustained bullet injuries to the abdomen and neck during the exchange of fire. He was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Another member of his group, Sukhman, was injured and admitted to a private hospital.

DSP Yadvinder Singh said the police recovered 35 spent bullet shells from the spot, though the preliminary investigation indicated that nearly 100 rounds were fired by the two rival groups during the clash.

The police said the violence stemmed from an old rivalry that resurfaced on Friday evening following an argument between village sarpanch Gurdeep Singh and panchayat member Pargat Singh.

The dispute, reportedly linked to differences dating back to the panchayat elections, escalated after both sides allegedly challenged each other over the phone before arriving at the Bhakna Kalan grain market in eight to 10 vehicles carrying their supporters. A heated argument soon turned into a physical altercation, following which both groups allegedly opened indiscriminate fire.

The police said Cheeni had been booked in more than 12 criminal cases since 2018, including murder and attempt-to-murder cases. He had been released on bail around two-and-a-half months ago after spending several months in jail in connection with an Arms Act case.